William James Harrington, 82 (affectionately known as Uncle Bill, Papa Bill, and, to his friends, Rabbit) passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, surrounded by his family. A loyal husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, Bill leaves behind a legacy as bold and enduring as the life he lived. A larger-than-life figure with an indomitable spirit, Bill touched the lives of many with his strength, generosity, and integrity not to mention his bad jokes.

Bill was the kind of man you only meet once- and then never forget, whether you wanted to or not. Husband to April for over fifty years (A feat in and of itself), together they built a home that was filled with joyful chaos. He was the eldest in a family that included ten brothers and two sisters. Family was always the center of Bill’s world. He showed his love not with grand gestures but with constantly showing up when anyone needed anything.

From humble beginnings, through hard work and determination, Bill founded Harrington service, a successful business for more than forty years that became a familiar part of the local landscape. But Bill’s success was never something he kept to himself – he was quick to share it with others. He often gave back without needing recognition.

An accomplished athlete, Bill’s competitive spirit and drive kept him active throughout his life playing basketball, baseball and softball. That same spirit carried into his time in the Army, where Bill didn’t just serve, he stood out as one out of a thousand of his peers as the outstanding trainee. He was also awarded the American Spirit Honor Medal for displaying outstanding qualities of leadership and loyalty. Known as the General on the court at the ‘Y’, he was the consummate team player.

Throughout his life, Bill knew hardship, none greater than the loss of his beloved son, Eric William, who passed unexpectedly in 2024. As we mourn Bill’s passing, we take comfort in knowing that he’s left an indelible mark and that he’s been reunited with Eric.

Bill is survived by his wife, April, son Tony (Chris), daughters Jennifer (Salvatore) and Deborah; Granddaughters Kiara, Alexandria, Mikaela, Ava and Bella; Grandsons Anthony, Zachary, Salvatore and Nick; Great-Granddaughters Hannah, Hailey and Addison; Great-grandsons Kayden, Wilder and Sawyer; Brothers Roy (Heidi), Kevin (Bev), Kent, Nick, Glenn (Connie), and Shawn as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Eric William, as well as brothers David, Steve, Jeff, Andy, and Donny and sisters Mary Kay and Christa.

Visitation for Family and friends will be held at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home on Friday August 1, from 4-7pm to honor Bill’s life. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John the Baptist RC Church on Saturday, August 2, at 10am.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Niagara Hospice (4675 Sunset Drive) or Desales Catholic School (6914 Chestnut Ridge Rd).